WHITEHALL, N.Y. — Paul Frank Wager, 64, passed away on May 20, 2013, at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, with his family by his side after a courageous battle with mantle cell lymphoma. During his fight, he was an inspiration to his family, friends and the staff at DHMC.

He will be greatly missed by all who had the opportunity to know him.

He was born July 1, 1948, in Rochester, N.Y. Paul married Valerie Ann (Cromer) of Johnstown, N.Y., on Aug. 14, 1971.

Paul graduated from Gates-Chili High School in 1967 before graduating from Fulton-Montgomery Community College in 1970 and the University of Arizona in 1973. He was a standout wrestler at all three.

After graduating from Arizona in 1973, Paul became a physical education teacher at Proctor (Vt.) High School until his retirement in 2003. While at Proctor, Paul coached soccer and basketball.

From 1978-1982, he was the wrestling coach at Mill River Union High School in North Clarendon, Vt.

From 1983-1996, he served as an assistant wrestling coach at Whitehall (N.Y.) High School before returning to matside in 2006 through 2013.

Paul was predeceased by his mother, Helen; his uncle, Lawrence Wager; and his aunt, Evelyn “Toots” Wager.

The family invites relatives and friends to attend calling hours from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 24, 2013, at Jillson Funeral Home, 46 Williams St., Whitehall, N.Y.

A funeral service will take place at Truthville Baptist Church, 39 County Route 12A, North Granville, N.Y., at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 25, 2013. Immediately following the service, an interment will take place in Greenmount Cemetery in Whitehall, N.Y. A gathering for family and friends will follow at the Whitehall Elks Lodge, 7 Williams St., Whitehall, N.Y.